One of the most important functions that a pet owner performs for his pet is to ensure that the pet is living a healthy life. Just like people, pets will generally stay healthy with all of the following: balanced, nutritious diet; plenty of exercise; regular check-ups at the veterinarian; and adequate hydration. Many of the most common health problems, like diabetes, arthritis, and digestive disorders, are correlated with pets that are either overweight, undernourished, or not given enough exercise. Therefore, healthy eating and exercise are key.
Some pet foods are better than others. Try feeding your pet with the premium pet foods offered by companies who do valid, scientific research about pet nutrition. Read the labels before you buy to make sure that the ingredients are all high-quality and from trusted sources. This will help to stave off obesity and may regulate bowel movements.
Don't feed your pets "people food"! Many of the foods that humans enjoy are dangerous (even fatal) for pets, and can harm their digestive systems. These foods also contribute to obesity in pets.
Different stages of your dog's life require different kinds of nutrition: a puppy has different dietary needs than a senior dog. Make sure to buy the proper sort of food for your dog, changing as he ages and his needs change. For example, growing puppies benefit from high-protein blends, while aging dogs do best on foods that are low-fat and have lots of fiber.
All pets need to be kept well hydrated at all times. Numerous studies have proven that pets who drink more water are healthier. This is easily accomplished by keeping plenty of water in your pet's bowl. If you're concerned that your pet is not getting adequate hydration, consider buying a drink fountain. These devices, available at most pet stores, might help your pet to drink more.
Exercise is also key to improving and maintaining your dog's (and your own) health. Even just letting your dog out once a day to play in the yard or run around for a few minutes can have major benefits for both of you. If you can establish a routine with a regular playtime, you'll notice your dog's excitement when the time nears.
Applying these strategies is a great way to start raising a healthy, happy pet. If you follow these guidelines consistently, you'll be sure to notice improvements both physical and emotional, even as your pet starts to get older.
A healthy pet which is well-groomed and always clean is a no-no for fleas and ticks. They like to live and feed on dirty pets. Maybe this is because dirty begets dirty. Meanwhile, always clean your house. Vacuum those crevices and cracks on furniture and floors. A vacuum cleaner equipped with a 'beater bar' is powerful enough to suck up those fleas, larvae and eggs. Proper disposal of the bag is recommended. Run a flea comb dipped in a bowl of hot soapy water or diluted alcohol through your pet at least twice a week Toss his beddings and other paraphernalia in the washer filled with hot water. Begin screening for fleas or ticks at your pet's belly and onwards to other parts of the body. A single flea found means there are more looming nearby and on your pet. Get rid of them as fast as you can. Hit them everywhere they live.
There are ways where you can beat those fleas at their game. Bathe your pet with a medicated flea shampoo. But be sure to read the label first for correct application. If he doesn't like taking a bath, take him to a groomer. Don't let him win in this exercise or else you can get flea bites also. Your vet may recommend over-the-counter flea sprays and powders. These sprays contain D-limonene which is effective and less toxic than other chemicals. You may also use flea collars. One flea means more fleas around your house and yard. Spray with a product which has a flea-larvae growth regulator. Oral medications can be given to your pet to prevent flea eggs from hatching. Other products may be applied to his skin to kill adult fleas for a month. When your pet scratches, the sensible thing to do is halt the itching. A lukewarm bath with oatmeal shampoo is soothing. Sores caused by scratching can be relieved by aloe vera gels or creams. But the juice is more effective and safer to use. Ear mites are dark-colored debris in the ear. Clean them with a mite-killing medication available at pet stores.
If scratching continues even after all anti-flea measures were adopted, it's time to consult your vet for a possible allergy situation. An allergy test will be performed to determine the cause of your pet's allergy. Food allergies are among the hardest allergies to diagnose. He will be put on an elimination diet to determine what ingredients need to be avoided in the future. Skin sores will be treated to speed healing. Cortisones will reduce inflammation and antibiotics may be recommended for infections. Just like children, your pet needs to visit an animal professional even once a year. Regular visits will allow your vet to screen your pet for a variety of diseases and thus, provides you with the best information on how to care for him. The most important way to keep a healthy pet is to love and make him happy.
Both Ian Spellfield & Chanvit Phupook are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ian Spellfield has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Social Issues and Culture and Society. Ian Spellfield, an occasionally frustrated pet owner, tests and reviews at his blog .. Ian Spellfield's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Chanvit Phupook has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Pets and Skin Care. For more information please visit : . Chanvit Phupook's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.